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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesStart by checking where you live and which Help to Buy product you mean: the rules are different for Wales, England and the legacy Help to Buy ISA. England’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan is closed to new applicants; Help to Buy – Wales accepts applications until 31 March 2027. An existing Help to Buy ISA has separate property and bonus rules.
First, identify your nation and the scheme
“Help to Buy” can mean an equity loan or the Help to Buy ISA. The equity loan schemes are not UK-wide: Wales has its own programme, while the English equity loan is closed to new applications. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules too; check the relevant devolved-government guidance rather than applying English or Welsh criteria. The UK Government’s affordable home ownership overview explains that rules differ across the UK.
- In England, seeking an equity loan: new applications are no longer accepted.
- In Wales, seeking an equity loan: check the Help to Buy – Wales criteria below.
- Already hold a Help to Buy ISA: you cannot open a new one, but existing accounts have remaining contribution and bonus deadlines.
England: can you still apply for the Help to Buy equity loan?
No. GOV.UK states, “You can no longer apply for a Help to Buy: Equity Loan for properties in England.” See the official England scheme page.
If you are looking for another route to home ownership in England, GOV.UK lists options such as shared ownership and saving with a Lifetime ISA. They are separate products with their own criteria, so do not assume you qualify simply because you would have qualified for Help to Buy.
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Wales: check these Help to Buy – Wales requirements
Help to Buy – Wales is open to applications submitted by 31 March 2027. The Welsh Government’s eligibility guidance is the controlling source if a summary differs. Check each condition against your proposed purchase:
- Eligible new-build and price: the home must be an eligible property bought from a builder registered with the scheme, and cost no more than £300,000.
- Deposit and mortgage: you must have at least a 5% deposit and be able to fund at least 80% of the price through a qualifying first-charge repayment mortgage.
- Use of the home: you must not sublet any part of it, and you must not rent out your current home while buying a second home through the scheme.
- Deadline: the completed application must be submitted by 31 March 2027.
The scheme provides an equity mortgage of up to 20% of the purchase price for qualifying new-build homes. The intended financing is a minimum 5% deposit, up to 20% equity mortgage, and the balance through a repayment mortgage; the mortgage and property still need to meet the scheme’s qualifying rules. These are scheme terms in current Welsh Government guidance, not independent statistics.
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How to apply in Wales
- Find a builder registered with Help to Buy – Wales and confirm that the property is eligible.
- Use a conveyancer trained for Help to Buy – Wales.
- Complete and submit the application form by 31 March 2027. Follow the Welsh Government’s application guidance.
Existing Help to Buy ISA: check the account, deadlines and property
The Help to Buy ISA is closed to new accounts. If you already hold one, the UK Government’s Help to Buy ISA guidance sets out the remaining terms:
- You can contribute up to £200 each month until November 2029.
- The bonus is 25% of eligible savings, capped at £3,000, and can be claimed until November 2030.
- The home must cost no more than £250,000, or £450,000 in London.
- The property must be your only home and be intended as your home.
Your solicitor or conveyancer applies for the bonus as part of the purchase process. These limits and dates are Help to Buy ISA terms in current UK Government guidance, not general rules for other Help to Buy schemes.
What to check before committing to a purchase
Scheme eligibility is only one part of whether a purchase will proceed. For a Welsh application, confirm the registered builder, qualifying lender and trained conveyancer, and make sure your proposed financing meets the scheme requirements. The UK Government’s home ownership schemes overview describes shared ownership and other England options, but each has its own eligibility test. Check current official guidance before making a financial commitment because scheme availability and requirements can change.
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